Germany on High Alert Ahead of Carnival Celebrations Amid Islamic State Threats
Islamic State Calls for Attacks on Carnival Revellers
BERLIN: Police are on high alert ahead of Germany’s traditional carnival celebrations this week after social media connected to the Islamic State group called for attacks targeting revellers in Cologne and Nuremberg, said police spokesmen.
IS Propaganda Site Lists Carnival Events as Targets
Bild newspaper reported that a German-language propaganda site run by IS had published a computer-created collage image calling on viewers to "choose your next attack target", and listed the dates and locations of upcoming carnival events.
Festival of Love in Rotterdam Also Listed as Target
The Festival of Love planned in the Dutch city of Rotterdam in early March was also listed as a target on the collage featuring a bloody knife and the hashtag #LetsSlaughter.
Germany Experiences Series of High-Profile Attacks
Germany experienced a series of high-profile attacks, including a car-ramming and stabbings, with Islamist connections in the lead-up to national elections on Feb 23.
Carnival Celebrations in Cologne and Nuremberg
The week-long carnival celebrations, which kick off tomorrow, take place in some predominantly Catholic southern and western parts of Germany, with revellers packing the streets to party, consume large quantities of alcohol and dance. It is particularly popular in Rhineland cities such as Cologne and Duesseldorf, where festivities peak on "Rose Monday" next week with tens of thousands attending street parades featuring comical or satirical floats.
Police Take Precautions
Cologne police said operational planning for the events was being adapted to take the threat into account, but they said the collage could be scaremongering aimed at unsettling the population rather than evidence of an imminent threat. More than 1,400 officers will be stationed at known hotspots, emergency services will be out in full force, and there will be bag and personal searches of carnival goers.
Event in Nuremberg Cancellation
Carnival organisers in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, said today that an event targeted on the IS-related website, the International Carnival Parade, had been cancelled due to concerns expressed by the venue. About 50 people had been expected at the event at the Saigon Bar in central Nuremberg, said organiser Global Locals.
No Concrete Plot for Imminent Attack
Nuremberg police said they were aware of the Islamic State threats, which were being evaluated by state security services. They said there was no indication of a concrete plot for an imminent attack.
Conclusion
Germany’s carnival celebrations are a time of joy and revelry, but the country is taking precautions to ensure the safety of its citizens in the face of Islamic State threats. With over 1,400 officers stationed at known hotspots and emergency services on high alert, the authorities are doing everything they can to prevent any potential attacks. While the threat of terrorism is a serious concern, it is crucial that Germany’s carnival celebrations go ahead as planned, and the country’s citizens can enjoy this time of celebration without fear of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the Islamic State threats?
A: The threats are related to the Islamic State group’s propaganda site, which has listed carnival events in Cologne and Nuremberg as targets.
Q: How many officers will be stationed at known hotspots?
A: Over 1,400 officers will be stationed at known hotspots in Cologne.
Q: Is there a concrete plot for an imminent attack?
A: No, according to Nuremberg police, there is no indication of a concrete plot for an imminent attack.